Carmel O’Neill sent us this latest news:
On March 1st an ecumenical prayer service was held in St Mary’s church Blessington to mark the Women’s world day of Prayer. This year the readings , prayers and reflections were put together by the women of Palestine.
This happened before the outbreak of the war on October 7th last. The theme was taken from Ephesians “I beg you…bear with one another in love”. In the light of recent events this prayer seems all the more poignant and provided an opportunity to pray more earnestly for all who continue to suffer daily in this war. A donation of 126 euro was raised for the women of Palestine.
On Easter Saturday over 100 members of the Polish community gathered in the church of Our Lady Blessington for the annual blessing of Easter baskets. This custom which dates back to medieval times marks the end of Lent and asks for God’s blessing on the food that will be consumed over Easter.
The children paint and decorate hard boiled eggs , the symbol of rebirth and renewal while the adults fill the baskets with bread, cakes cheese and eggs. Fr Noel Campbell blessed the baskets and gave thanks to God for the earth which produces the food we eat. It was a beautiful ceremony which enriched our parish community.
It is now 2 years since Fr Richard Behan donated the stable area and the grounds at the back of the parochial house for the creation of a community garden. Last summer saw the newly formed community shed group build planter boxes to grow potatoes, cabbage, onions, lettuce, peas and beetroot.
In Oct 2023 a new polytunnel was installed with raised growing areas for growing tomatoes, courgettes and annual flowers for the border areas in the village.
Two planter boxes have been allocated for the schoolchildren for their vegetable patch.
The addition of the new flower boxes in the grounds of the church and in the village has completely transformed this corner of West Wicklow.
